Just this month, the first-ever genetically modified mosquitoes were released in the United States! Oxitec, a biotech company, released a total of 144,000 genetically modified mosquitoes into the Florida Keys. Here at AllGreen Lawn Care, we understand that you want mosquito control. No one likes the risk of disease and pests around their home. Mosquitoes are one of the most formidable transmitters of disease in the animal kingdom! Here’s what Oxitec is hoping to get from the experiment.
Stopping Disease
According to Reuters and The Entrepreneur, the study’s primary goal is to reduce the amount of disease-carrying mosquitoes around the United States. Oxitec is trying to lower Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that can carry diseases like Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. According to Oxitec, they have “already completed successful deployments of this new Aedes aegypti technology in Brazil, demonstrating its ability to quickly and significantly suppress wild Aedes aegypti using easy-to-use, just-add-water deployment devices, thereby eliminating the need for costly production facilities.” Therefore, Oxitec can provide extensive and long-term mosquito control without harsh chemicals or pesticides.
Aedes aegypti: Genetically modified mosquitoes
Genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are all male. They are limited to carry a deadly gene that only affects female mosquitoes. When the genetically modified Aedes aegypti mate with female mosquitoes, they pass the lethal gene to the offspring. The gene doesn’t affect male mosquito offspring, but it does kill female offspring before they can reach maturity. Only female mosquitoes consume blood from humans. Male mosquitos feed on nectar. Consequently, the male offspring can continue mating and spreading the lethal gene and lowering the risk of disease-carrying mosquitoes in the population.
Mosquito Control with AllGreen Lawn Care
We’re still a way away from lowering the number of mosquitoes in the United States. Mosquito control programs in Massachusetts are a great way to keep your family and pets safe from mosquito carried diseases. Here at AllGreen, we have various mosquito and tick spray programs that will keep your backyard comfortable all season long. We are a family-oriented and environmentally conscious company. Therefore we also offer organic-only treatments!
For more information about the genetically modified mosquito program, visit Oxitec’s website. If you would like to learn more about mosquito control in MA, please visit our website or give us a call at